Israel to help UN protect the environment in Africa and Asia

Israel signed a deal with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) this week in Nairobi, Kenya, to help implement the “Bali Strategic Plan for Technology Support and Capacity Building.”

According to the agreement, Israel will assist the UN with its expertise in technology and water management in Africa and Asia in an effort to protect the environment.

Two years ago, at a conference in Bali, Indonesia, the UN decided that developed countries in the world would help developing countries deal with environmental issues leading up to the “Bali Strategic Plan for Technology Support and Capacity Building.” Israel immediately agreed to participate in the program and asked the UN to get involved.

The UN asked Israel to assist in water resources management, water scarcity, sanitation, waste management, food security and agriculture, management of dry lands, desertification and land degradation. The projects will be headed by MASHAV, the Center for International Cooperation in Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Daniel Miron, head of the International Organizations Division in the Foreign Ministry said that Israel will go to poor countries and help them.

“We will send water and environmental experts to developing countries and present them with the vast experience we have,” said Miron. “In fact, we will help the UN liven the wilderness in Africa and other places. The funding will be share between Israel and the UN.”

A Foreign Ministry statement said the memorandum of cooperation, which was signed this week in Nairobi, emphasizes the importance Israel places on aiding the developing world.

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